On Thursday, September 12, 2019, opening night of Carpetbag’s production of “Red Summer,” Mayor Madeline Rogero named that day Carpetbag Theatre Day – a day to celebrate the 50 years of original work from this Legacy Black Theatre Organization.  With the pandemic making it difficult to celebrate in 2020, Carpetbag has prepared a celebration at Walter Hardy Park, using the outdoor stage built specifically for the theatre years ago.

The Carpetbag Theatre will be celebrating their special day with a screening of their most recent original production, “COVID Stories:  When the Hugs Went Away,” made possible by the New England Foundation for the Arts, over a bonfire with fall snacks for purchase such as hot chocolate and hot cider in custom Carpetbag Theatre mason jars and hot dogs and s’mores.  There will also be plenty of merchandise available for purchase for those who wish to support the theatre as they work toward another 50+ years of original stories

“COVID Stories:  When the Hugs Went Away” was written by Executive/Artistic Director Jonathan Clark, and Carpetbag Ensemble Members;  Will Dorsey, Brandon Gibson, Chelsea Haynes, and Kisha Rockett.

After the performances, there will be talkback sessions in which audiences will have the opportunity to hear the thoughts of the Carpetbag Ensemble on the production.

• Where:  Walter Hardy Park, 2020 Martin Luther King Ave. Knoxville, TN 37915
• When:  Sunday, September 12, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.
• Cost:  FREE – with a highly suggested donation of any amount